Cost £140 though I’ve seen it here for £56!
Weight 340g
+ Mesh stuff sack, short cut, rollaway hood
- Terrible hood, boxy chest
This was one of the first Gore Paclite jackets around and little has changed over the years. The large chest sizing, rollaway hood and hand warmer pockets suggest it’s more appropriate for easy going backpacking and travelling rather than athletic sports. It has a short body length with no drop in the tail to protect you when biking though the hem is the standard adjustable elastic. The hood suffers from serious design flaws that mean it doesn’t come close to sitting snug on the head and annoyingly billows up or blows the peak down on your face in a wind. As a result it doesn’t move with the head meaning when you turn to look to your side all you see is the inside of the hood. There’s no adjustment at the wide neck so when the hood’s not up and the wind is, it can send a shiver straight down the spine. A double storm flap, adjustable cuffs and waterproof zips on the pockets keep the rain out and the pockets are mesh lined to aid ventilation. However, when worked hard Paclite will always feel damp on the inside, but bear in mind all Gore jackets come with a Satisfaction Guarantee – if you’re not impressed then take it back for a refund. It’s probably best suited for easy-going ramblers or as a small, light, packable jacket for gap year travellers and their ilk. If you can get it for £56 then go for it, but if you’re looking for ‘the’ jacket to take out in all weathers then look elsewhere…
Weight 580g
Cost £180
+ Durability, breathability, waterproof, can be reproofed and repaired indefinitely
- Too warm for summer use, short arms
To those that haven’t tried it, the Paramo concept can be hard to explain in a short review, so I would urge you to read more about it elsewhere. Feeling soft like a shell suit, it can be hard to believe that the Nikwax Analogy fabric could keep you dry, but with Directional Waterproofing abilities it works exceptionally well. The regular Velez Adventure Smock has been widely acclaimed and is used by many experienced kit aficionados as well as mountain rescue teams, however, it is a bit on the heavy side at 774g. The new Analogy Light fabric drops weight by 20% to a more reasonable 580g. Although heavy compared to other jackets I’ve had on test it outshines everything in performance tests, being superbly waterproof and breathable, as well as soft and comfortable to wear. Sizing is a little odd, with short arms, though this may be addressed and custom sized versions are available. The smock may not be to everyone’s taste but it’s great ‘fit and forget’ kit; once on it can be worn with just a baselayer in all but the coldest of conditions. The extra layers of fabric unfortunately provide extra insulation that makes it a bit too warm for summer unless you run really cold, but for really bad weather use it works exceptionally. A large front pouch pocket will swallow an OS map and clever side vents expose two internal handwarmer pockets. The wired-peak hood fits well and moves with the head, though is a little small to fit a helmet under. Superb comfort, breathability and waterproofness in new lighter weight format. Highly recommended for winter or expedition racing.
Cost £190
Weight 175g
+ Ultra lightweight, simplicity, superb hood
- Long term durability, breathability, expensive
Made from the latest Gore-Tex Paclite fabric this is a weight fetishist’s dream jacket. Haglofs’ clever smock design means the jacket, excluding hood, is only produced from two pieces of fabric. This results in minimal seam taping, hence reduced weight and improved breathability (as seam tape will never be as breathable as bare fabric). It’s squarely aimed at fast and light movers looking for the lightest, most packable fully waterproof shell around and there are none better at the moment. The face fabric, to which the Gore membrane is laminated, is exclusive to Haglofs and is extremely light, which with the minimalist design gives a genuine weight of 175grams for the test size medium. Body cut is slim, as would be expected, and features are sparse to save weight. It does have a laminated front chest pocket, (not big enough for an OS map) and an astounding hood with unusual external compression system.
Oz Pullover hood external compression system. Check out the three small tabs that route the elastic cord around the crown of the head. Cinched tight the hood fits like a second skin.
There is compression adjustment by a toggle at the back of the head, which thankfully doesn’t get in the way when worn under a bike or climbing helmet. Dual toggles adjust the peak position, but in windy conditions I found the peak a bit too floppy and some other reviewers including PTC, have modified their Oz’s by inserting speaker wire into the peak brim. Check out their sites for details on modifications, however, the 2010 Oz, now called the OZO will feature a stiffer peak.
There are thumb loops in the sleeves to keep wrists covered while running, scrambling or on the bike and an adjustable elasticated hem. The fabric was very waterproof during testing, though breathability struggled when working really hard and the inside often felt damp to the touch (not to be confused with leaking). Paclite has a habit of breathing well then suddenly being overwhelmed, creating a damp inner surface. However, those that understand fabric technology will understand that internal condensation is crucial in how Gore-Tex fabrics work, so some should be expected. Additionally, I’ve always been of the mindset for fast moving sports, that if it’s cold enough to need a full waterproof shell, as opposed to a windshell, then chances are you’ll be (or should be) wearing a long sleeve wicking baselayer, so you simply won’t feel any clamminess next to your skin.
Anyway, if weight and pack size are your priorities in a waterproof shell and you want the assurance that your jacket will protect you from the heavens when they open, then look no further, the Haglofs Oz Pullover is a stunningly good jacket. As the 2009 Oz is fazed out and replaced by the 2010 OZO then there are many bargains to be had, in fact a quick search reveals it at half price here. Get there quick!
Weight 410 grams
Cost £225
+ eVent fabric, stretch panels, helmet compatible, breathability, fit
- Stiff feeling fabric at first, expensive
For a company that makes so much excellent lightweight outdoor gear, it’s a little surprising perhaps that this is the first item I’ve had the chance to review for sleepmonsters.com or UK Adventure Sports Magazine. Hopefully it won’t be the last, as the quality and performance of their products is superb and the constant refinement of designs means that over the past few years they’ve really sharpened up a range of ‘Fast and Light’ that’s got to be near the top of most people’s ‘Must Try’ list.
Heavy on features and talking points, the Halo could be the jacket for those looking for bombproof weather protection and excellent breathability . The, unique to Montane, lightweight eVent fabric is as waterproof as it gets with breathability surpassing the best Gore has to offer, meaning it works especially well for those who run hot. It feels stiff at first but after a couple of washes it will soften. Stretch fabric panels on the back, underarms and forearms give extra freedom of movement especially noticeable when wearing a pack while scrambling. The hip and forearm sections are reinforced for durability at minimal extra weight.
The integral wire-peaked hood offers great face protection and will cinch tight around the head as well as accommodating a helmet underneath. It’s a superb fit whether onto bare head or helmet and the neck section is long enough to allow full freedom of movement and with the stretch panels gives a proper ‘ninja’ feel. There are two soft mesh lined handwarmer pockets, which help with venting and there’s a large chest pocket which features a ‘love it or hate it’ upside-down water-resistant zip to make getting something from the bottom of the pocket easy. On the plus side it’s easy to get small things in and out of the pocket and it stops the weather getting in when you need that lip balm hiding in the bottom corner, but it can be easy for small items to fall out when you pull that fat gloved hand out again…swings and roundabouts. Another boon is that the pockets are designed to be expandable so as you fill them, they increase in volume internally instead of stretching the exterior fabric, ultimately increasing comfort.
Body fit is ‘athlete-ready’ close, though relatively long making it suitable more for walking and mountaineering, than running. There’s not a whole bunch of reflectivity going on, but those looking for such featured are probably in the minority and there are a few patches dotted around to keep your mind at ease for those late night bimbles along dark lanes. Pleasingly, long arms keep wrists covered when stretched out on the bike or jumaring, making this a great all conditions, all-activity jacket ready for the toughest expedition races.
The waterproofing level of the fabric is top of the line as is breathability, so combined with great fit and exceptional freedom of movement, I’m struggling to see any downsides to this jacket. The water repellent treatment on the fabric is still beading up after 8 months of use and when the time comes I know it can easily be revitalised in the washing machine – another of eVent’s many great attributes is its machine wash capability, something that is in fact recommended to be done often to keep it oil and much free and keep it performing optimally. If push came to shove I’d have to say there are other jackets that come close in performance but don’t have the stretch panels, for example, and therefore are on the shelves for a bit less moolah, however, I’ve seen the Halo in the sales for as little as £150 so if you see one, snap it up quick!
Review for Autumn edition of UK Adventure Sports Magazine
Weight 330g
Cost £160
+ Weight, fabric, great cut, long arms, hood
- Nothing really
The Momentum is Rab’s lightest eVent jacket to date and is aimed squarely at alpine climbers and adventure racers. It’s made from lightweight three-ply eVent with a micro-grid rip-stop pattern for added strength and there is narrow seam tape on ‘non-critical’ seams to save weight. Breathability is as good as it gets for a traditional hard shell fabric and the close fit helps with the Direct Venting eVent is well-known for. It’s short at the front for freedom of movement and long at the back for backside protection. The hood has a wide range of adjustment and will cover a climbing helmet with wired peak protecting the face. It moves as one with the head and is one of the best hoods we’ve ever come across. Something we’re pleased to see is long arms that keep wrists covered when stretching out – why can’t other manufacturers get this simple, key factor right? There are two Napoleon style deep chest pockets that will swallow OS maps with water resistant zips. Zip garages on the pocket and main zip help stop water penetrating any gaps and the main zip is two-way easing use over a climbing harness. While weight isn’t down there with the sub-200g products, it is nonetheless acceptably light and packed down it occupies little space. At the moment it looks like Rab are onto a winner with this jacket and only longer term use will judge how the light fabric stands up to abuse. So far so very good!
Bottom Line – UK Adventure Sports Magazine Recommended
When you think about it, jackets for adventure racing have a pretty tough set of criteria to meet. For the most critical buyers, they must protect from torrential rain, keep you comfortable when you’re working hard and standing still, be Challenger tank durable, weigh less than a sparrow’s fart and cost virtually nothing. Enough freedom of movement to do some gymnastics wouldn’t be a bad thing either! Of course, life’s about compromises and although a bin bag may be 100% waterproof it offers zero breathability, whilst a tissue-thin, highly breathable, ‘waterproof’ may yield to anything more than fog. Accepting that you can’t get everything for nothing is wise. Light, cheap, and fully functional – pick two.
Windproof, waterproof or soft shell? Sometimes the most appropriate jacket isn't the one you have with you. Unfortunately, in most adventure races a waterproof is a mandatory item on the kit list regardless of the weather
Sometimes racers that love their gear and gadgets get carried away with features, but it’s worth considering what exactly the jacket will be used for. Mostly competing in sprint races? Well it’s unlikely that you’ll be plodding along with your hands in your pockets, so why do you need them? When the race lasts only a few hours and you’re working hard all the time, do you really need ultimate waterproof protection when light weight, packability and breathability are more relevant? If expedition racing is your thing then it’s key to have trust in the ability of your jacket to cope with the worst weather and be durable enough to survive a tumble or scrapes against rocks. If you’re into both sorts of racing, as well as other outdoor sports, you’ll already realise that you probably need to look at more than one jacket to fit your needs.
Aside from the key factors (weight, price, fabric etc), key things to look for are:
- arms that are long enough to keep wrists covered when stretched on bike or scrambling
- body length short at front for leg mobility and long at the rear to cover your bum on the bike
- close fitting or adjustable hood that moves with your head
A series of reviews from the Autumn edition of UK Adventure Sports Magazine will follow including, Rab Momentum, OMM Kamleika Smock, Haglofs Oz, Helly Hansen Volt, Paramo Velez Adventure Light, Montane Halo Stretch, Gore Running Wear Axis II, and Berghaus Paclite Jacket.
Updated version of Classic AR pack
Salomon packs have been extremely popular in recent years particularly their 20 litre version, now called the XA 20 M. The classic U-shaped zip access remains from previous versions and that’s a good thing as accessibility into the pack is very good. Over time, with regular overstuffing, the water resistant zips can get a bit tired, but you probably need a bigger bag then! Inside the main compartment there is a small mesh zip pocket at the top and some fine mesh covered water drainage holes at the other end. A small horizontal zip on the front of the pack accesses a deep pocket and externally to that is a stretch mesh pocket, but unfortunately not stretchy or big enough to fit a helmet . Hydration bladders slot into a separate zip accessed bladder panel with a couple of velcro loops at the top to accept all manner of vertical bladder types. A bladder hose can be fed through either shoulder strap at your preference, however, it’s a tight squeeze if using a hose with a 90 degree bend. Also on the shoulder straps are clips to securely attach an optional extra chest pouch.
Salomon XA 20 M Pack
The back is well padded with the Airvent Lite system of expanded foam, which does add comfort, if a little bulk, but at very little weight, so gets the thumbs up. The waist belt is a wide mesh with a real enveloping fit. A buckle clips in the middle but adjustment is made at either end of the strap which has the effect of really hugging the pack in tight to the hips. With a well fitting shoulder harness yoke the bag is extremely comfortable in use. An interesting touch is the zips on the deep hip pockets which are reversed and open forwards to prevent the pullers catching on bushes and splaying open. Personally I’ve never found conventional zip direction a problem and I found accessing pocket contents a bit more difficult this way. Side bottle pockets are easy to use on the go and hold bottles securely. Side compression straps cinch the lower pack in tight for stability, but an external bungee cord tucked into one pocket just confuses. There are a number of loops through which the bungee cord can be passed in whatever configuration the user likes, but it’s not long enough to stash a helmet under and just seems like an afterthought. This lack of external carrying capacity is the only real drawback to an otherwise excellent bag.
Review for UK Adventure Sports Magazine AR Pack Group Test
Summary – Exceptionally lightweight racing pack.
Made from the same fabric as their hugely successful Laserlite tent range, it’s thin, superlight, water-resistant and seems to be pretty tough. It has one large main compartment with a vertical water resistant zip, with an internal bladder pouch and a smaller slot pocket on one side. This design can place a lot of strain on the zip if over stuffed, but so far careful packing and a month’s use are showing no ill effects. Packing heavier items low in the ‘A’ shape packs keeps their weight off the zip and keeps the packs stable. External mesh pockets and thin bungee cords provide additional storage, and extra hypalon loops allow you to configure the cords for best compression or helmet carry. At first glance they look insubstantial, but in practice they held trekking poles securely on an extended mountain run. Hip pockets are easy to use and bottle pockets are attached to the hip belt for ease of access. The compression on these is a bit fiddly and can’t be tightened one handed or excessively as the thin bungee seems a bit fragile, but again it is effective. The harness is well fitting, stable and although back padding is just some well placed mesh, it is comfortable. At half the weight of some other packs around, it’s really at the cutting edge of racing equipment design and despite the low weight it still manages to be practical for everyday hill use.
Choosing the right pack for adventure racing is
almost as important as choosing footwear. For one to two day races like
the Rat Race Urban Adventure, Polaris Challenge, Open 24 etc, where a
reasonable load needs to be carried, then a 20-25 litre pack is what
most racers are going to need. Key factors in choosing a pack are the
volume, ease of access, comfort, stability, lightweight, hydration
bladder compatibility, volume adjustment or compression, and on the
move accessibility.
Some things to look for are hip belt
pockets, adjustable chest strap, external bungees or mesh to hold
helmet or shoes, easy access side bottle pockets and a comfortable
harness that doesn’t dig into your neck. It’s unlikely that you’re load
will be heavy enough to require much padding on shoulder straps and you
may wish to look for optional removable back padding to reduce weight.
Often packs have ‘breathable’ mesh panels to keep your back cool but
rarely do they work well enough to make them a significant buying
consideration.
A more important consideration is fit and comfort. A bag that bounces around when running is going to cause chafing and discomfort so look for back hugging packs that hold tight but allow you to move your arms and torso without restriction. I recently reviewed a range of packs for the UK Adventure Sports Mag July edition which I’ll publish here in due course.
…the Agony of my Feet.
I recently finished reading an interesting and amusing Adventure Racing book which is basically a collection of short essays on racing experiences. It includes tales from pioneers and prominent racers in the sport over the past two decades through to marshals, first timers and consistent back of the packers. It’s definitely worth looking out on Amazon from the link below.
The Thrill of Victory, the Agony of My Feet: Tales from the World of Adventure Racing
The Thrill!
The Agony...
The introduction has the following manifesto that I really liked. Apologies to the author, I can’t recall your name!
AR manifesto:
If you’re not hungry, you’re carrying too much food
If you’re not thirsty, you’re carrying too much water
If you are warm, you have too many clothes
If you’re not wet, scratched and bruised, you took the long way
If you’re not frightened, you have too much gear
If you’re not tired, you’re going too slowly
If you’re not drop down sleepy, you’re getting too much rest
And if you finish the race on schedule, it was too easy anyway!
